Easy Chicken and Vegetable Stir-Fry: A Quick Weeknight Meal

Looking for a quick and healthy dinner that comes together in just 30 minutes? Try this easy Chicken and Vegetable Stir-Fry. This versatile dish is packed with nutrients, flavorful, and can be customized to suit your taste. It's perfect for busy weeknights when you want something simple yet satisfying.

The recipe yields a generous serving of four people, making it ideal for families or small groups. You will enjoy the fresh crunch of vegetables along with the tender pieces of chicken in this stir-fry. The cooking time is approximately 20 minutes once all ingredients are prepared.

Ingredients

• 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces (about 1 lb)
• 2 cups mixed vegetables such as broccoli florets, bell peppers, carrots, and snap peas
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or your preferred cooking oil
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil (for extra flavor and aroma)
• Salt to taste
• Paprika for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Begin by preparing the chicken. Slice each breast into bite-sized pieces, ensuring they are even so that they cook uniformly.

2. While the chicken is marinating, prepare your vegetables. Rinse them well and cut according to their individual shapes—broccoli florets, bell peppers in strips, carrots on the diagonal, and snap peas left whole. The goal here is to have all veggies ready so they can be added simultaneously during stir-frying.

3. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Once it's hot, add the chicken pieces and sauté until they turn golden brown on both sides, about 5 minutes total. This helps lock in moisture while providing that delicious sear flavor.

4. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet using tongs or a slotted spoon and set aside. In the same pan, add another tablespoon of oil if needed to avoid sticking.

5. Add the garlic and onion; sauté until they begin to soften, about 2 minutes. Then add in your prepared mixed vegetables and stir-fry them quickly for about 5-7 minutes or until they reach your desired level of crisp-tenderness.

6. After the vegetables are tender, return the chicken back into the pan. Pour in soy sauce if using. Add a teaspoon of sesame oil to enhance the overall flavor and aroma before everything is combined well with the stir-fry ingredients.

7. Season with salt according to your preference. Allow it all to simmer together for another 2-3 minutes until flavors meld nicely. Taste test at this point if more seasoning or adjustments are needed.

8. Serve hot over rice, noodles, or as a side dish alongside other meals like grilled fish or roasted potatoes. Garnish with paprika for a pop of color and added texture.

Tips & Variations

To make this stir-fry even more exciting, consider adding some heat by incorporating red pepper flakes towards the end of cooking. Alternatively, you could try tossing in fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions right before serving for freshness.

This dish can be easily adapted to accommodate dietary restrictions such as vegetarian options where chicken is replaced with firm tofu or tempeh; simply increase marination time if using tofu to ensure it absorbs the flavors well. For a gluten-free option, substitute soy sauce with tamari.

Conclusion

The Chicken and Vegetable Stir-Fry offers an affordable yet nutritious meal that’s both easy on the budget and pleasingly versatile in terms of preparation methods and presentation. Whether you're looking for a quick workday dinner or weekend family gathering, this dish provides balance between convenience and taste appeal.

Cooked in no time, this stir-fry not only satisfies but also boosts your mood due to its simplicity and adaptability. Experiment with different vegetables, proteins, sauces, and seasonings to create endless variations tailored specifically to what you love most!